Healthy Baked Ziti with Kale & Mushrooms Recipe
Introduction
This Healthy Baked Ziti with Kale and Mushrooms is a quick and easy pasta dish that combines wholesome ingredients for a nutritious meal. With cottage cheese and plenty of vegetables, it’s a comforting, freezer-friendly recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat penne noodles
- 1 lb Italian seasoned ground turkey
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 24 oz marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 3.8 oz jar of sliced olives, drained
- ¼ cup basil, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne noodles and cook for about 5 minutes until softened but still firm. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, brown the Italian seasoned ground turkey over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and add the cooked turkey to the bowl with the pasta.
- Step 4: Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped kale to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add this mixture to the bowl with pasta and turkey.
- Step 5: Add the marinara sauce, cottage cheese, olives, chopped basil, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella to the mixing bowl. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Step 6: Pour the entire pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 7: Cover the dish and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are fully cooked and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or garlic powder when sautéing the vegetables.
- Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
- Use spinach instead of kale for a milder green.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the meat and add extra mushrooms or a plant-based protein.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish is freezer-friendly; freeze in a covered 9×13 pan for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking or bake directly from frozen following the instructions below.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake this dish directly from frozen?
Yes, if baking from frozen, bake at 350°F for 90-120 minutes until heated through. Cover the dish to prevent drying out.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought marinara sauce works well and saves time. Choose your favorite brand or homemade sauce for best flavor.
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Healthy Baked Ziti with Kale & Mushrooms Recipe
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthy Baked Ziti with Kale & Mushrooms is a quick, easy, and nutritious pasta dish that combines whole wheat penne, lean Italian seasoned ground turkey, fresh vegetables, cottage cheese, and mozzarella. Perfect for a wholesome family meal, it’s freezer-friendly and sure to become a household favorite with its balanced flavors and healthy ingredients.
Ingredients
Paste and Meat
- 8 oz whole wheat penne noodles
- 1 lb Italian seasoned ground turkey
Vegetables
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 3.8 oz jar sliced olives, drained
- ¼ cup basil, chopped
Sauces & Cheese
- 24 oz marinara/spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup cottage cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the ziti later.
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne noodles and cook for about 5 minutes until softened but still firm. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Cook Ground Turkey: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the Italian seasoned ground turkey until fully cooked through. Drain excess fat and add the cooked turkey to the bowl with the pasta.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and chopped kale. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Then add them to the pasta and turkey mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the marinara sauce, drained sliced olives, chopped basil, cottage cheese, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese to the large bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and pour in the pasta mixture. Spread it evenly, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm for best taste.
- Freezer Meal Option: To make it a freezer meal, follow steps 2-5 and assemble in a 9×13 aluminum pan. Let it cool completely, cover tightly, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight or bake from frozen. If thawed, bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until heated. If baking from frozen, bake at 350°F for 90-120 minutes.
Notes
- This dish uses whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
- You can substitute Italian seasoned ground turkey with lean ground chicken or beef if preferred.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more variety.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground turkey and use plant-based crumbles or extra mushrooms instead.
- Be careful not to overcook pasta during boiling to avoid mushy texture after baking.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your oven; check for bubbling cheese and fully cooked noodles.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze portions individually for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: baked ziti, healthy pasta recipe, kale and mushrooms, whole wheat pasta, ground turkey, freezer friendly, easy dinner, Italian pasta bake
